Shockey says Texans disrespected America during national anthem

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Carolina tight end Jeremy Shockey accused the Texans of being disrespectful to the American flag before the Panthers’ 28-13 victory, but linebacker DeMeco Ryans said it’s Shockey who was being unpatriotic at Reliant Stadium.

Shockey scored on a 9-yard touchdown catch early in the second half. He broke away from Ryans and got away from Jason Allen.

Shockey came up screaming at them. After the game, Shockey explained why he was angry at the Texans.

“I was pretty upset when they weren’t showing respect to America during the national anthem,” Shockey said. “There were about 10 players who didn’t put their arms across their chest. This is America. They should at least give respect to America.

“I haven’t seen it anywhere else in the NFL, but I don’t know how you forget to do something like that.”

When informed of Shockey’s comments, Ryans turned the table on him.

“If he’s so patriotic, why was he looking at our bench instead of the flag?” Ryans said. “Where did he come up with the number 10? Was he counting? Why was he paying attention to us during the national anthem?”

Shockey continued to play up his patriotic pride on Twitter Sunday night.

“GOD bless America” was his first tweet from Sunday after the game.

Shockey retweeted a fan who praised Shockey for calling out “those bums,” meaning the Texans.

Shockey later wrote, “My words were not to offend Anyone, football is just a sport and America is home.

“Stand tall and proud,” he continued on Twitter. “It’s our duty as citizens to pay tribute to the ones that gave us our freedom.”

Ryans said the Texans do.

“Of course, our players are patriotic,” he said. “We respect the flag and America and our soldiers that are fighting for our freedom.”

Shockey didn’t know Ryans’ name while describing his touchdown. Ryans is a six-year veteran with Pro Bowls on his resume.

“It was a simple play,” Shockey said. “I guess what’s his name — Ryans? Demaro Ryans? What’s his name? DeMeco Ryans couldn’t make the play and it was an easy touchdown.”

After the bone-jarring hit Ryans gave Shockey later, it’s a wonder the tight end could remember his name.